Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Netfabb VS LibreCAD

Compare Netfabb VS LibreCAD and see what are their differences

Netfabb logo Netfabb

Innovative software solutions for 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

LibreCAD logo LibreCAD

An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.
  • Netfabb Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-15
  • LibreCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-18

Netfabb features and specs

  • Comprehensive Toolset
    Netfabb offers a wide array of features and tools for 3D printing and additive manufacturing, including design optimization, part repair, and model slicing, making it a versatile solution for professionals in the industry.
  • Automation Capabilities
    Netfabb includes automation features that allow users to streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and reduce the time required for manual operations.
  • Simulation Features
    The software provides simulation capabilities for analyzing and optimizing 3D printing processes, helping users predict potential issues and improve manufacturing outcomes.
  • Advanced Repair Tools
    Netfabb has robust tools for identifying and fixing errors in 3D models, ensuring high-quality prints by solving issues like non-watertight errors or overlapping parts.
  • Support Structure Generation
    It offers advanced support generation tools that aid in building efficient and optimized support structures, crucial for complex prints and reducing material waste.

Possible disadvantages of Netfabb

  • Cost
    Netfabb can be expensive, which might be a barrier for smaller businesses or individual users looking for budget-friendly 3D printing software solutions.
  • Complexity
    The extensive features and toolsets can result in a steep learning curve for new users, requiring time and effort to become proficient in using the software effectively.
  • Hardware Requirements
    Users may need a powerful computer setup to efficiently run Netfabb, which can be a limitation for those with less robust hardware.
  • Subscription Model
    Netfabb operates on a subscription basis, which some users may find restrictive compared to perpetual licensing options.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Some users have reported occasional stability and performance issues, such as software crashes during intensive processing tasks, which can disrupt workflow.

LibreCAD features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    LibreCAD is completely free to use, and its open-source nature allows users to modify and improve the software according to their needs.
  • Cross-Platform
    The software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring that users on different operating systems can utilize it without compatibility issues.
  • Lightweight
    LibreCAD is not resource-heavy, making it suitable for older computers and systems with limited hardware capabilities.
  • 2D CAD Focus
    Specialized for 2D design, making it easier for users who specifically need 2D drafting tools as it avoids the complexities associated with 3D modeling.
  • Customizable Interface
    Users can tailor the interface to better suit their workflow, enhancing productivity and ease of use.
  • Active Community Support
    An active community provides support, documentation, and forums for troubleshooting and advice, making it easier for users to solve problems and learn new features.

Possible disadvantages of LibreCAD

  • Limited 3D Capabilities
    LibreCAD is primarily a 2D CAD software and does not support 3D modeling, which can be a limitation for users needing advanced spatial design tools.
  • Steeper Learning Curve for Beginners
    While powerful, the software can be challenging for new users unfamiliar with CAD software, requiring a significant amount of time to learn.
  • Fewer Advanced Features
    Compared to some professional CAD packages, LibreCAD lacks some of the more advanced features and tools, which can limit its use in complex projects.
  • Limited File Format Compatibility
    LibreCAD primarily supports DXF format, and while it can read/write other formats, the compatibility is not as comprehensive as some other CAD software.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Some users have reported crashes and bugs, which can be problematic for those working on time-sensitive projects.
  • Sparse Documentation
    While there is community support, the official documentation can be lacking in detail, making it difficult for users to find thorough guidance on complex tasks.

Netfabb videos

What's New in Netfabb 2021.0

More videos:

  • Review - Whatโ€™s New in Netfabb 2019.1: Release Highlights
  • Review - netfabb Private Review by @Barnacules

LibreCAD videos

FreeCAD vs. LibreCAD

More videos:

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Netfabb and LibreCAD)
3D
14 14%
86% 86
Architecture
16 16%
84% 84
CAD
11 11%
89% 89
Photos & Graphics
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Netfabb and LibreCAD

Netfabb Reviews

We have no reviews of Netfabb yet.
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LibreCAD Reviews

15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2022
Also, it is a CAD program so the created files can work on other CAD software programs, even if 3D based. Sketchup supports up to 11 languages, but LibreCAD beats that with support for more than 30 languages.
Alternatives to SketchUp: Check out 10 free programs
Just like Blender, you can help develop and enhance the platform by editing the code base and adding even more features to the software. So, if youโ€™re looking for a more simple, perfect for beginners program, LibreCAD can be the best out of the alternatives to SketchUp for you. Being a fully free system, you can only gain.
Source: solidface.com
9 Free CAD Software to Download
Hereโ€™s another high quality 2D-CAD modeling platform, LibreCAD, an easy-to-use software with a lot of high quality features included in it. LibreCAD has features such as snap to grid for drawing, usage of layers, measurements inside your drawing and plenty others to make your life easier when youโ€™re drawing on a 2D-CAD platform.
Looking for a SketchUp alternative? Check out the 10 best options
LibreCAD is a 2D CAD software that serves as a great way to learn and practice 2D modeling. Itโ€™s completely free and open-sourced, with a healthy user base around it to boot.
Source: all3dp.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, LibreCAD seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 19 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Netfabb mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Netfabb yet. Tracking of Netfabb recommendations started around Mar 2021.

LibreCAD mentions (19)

  • Looking for a poor man's AutoCad
    LibreCAD, OpenSCAD (more script based and more for solids), FreeCAD. Source: about 2 years ago
  • If I don't use Windows or Mac and only use Linux, will I run into a lot of compatibility issues?
    CAD options on Linux are more limited than windows or mac but they do exist. The industry standard for 2d CAD files is the .dxf file format. I use LibreCAD. https://librecad.org/ The UI is a little clunky and eccentric in places but it is feature complete for 2d CAD drawings. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Windows / MacOS - Home/garden design
    You could also try out free AutoCAD alternatives like libreCAD (2D), or brlCAD (2D&3D, I believe). Source: over 2 years ago
  • Everything you need to know about CAD humble bundle
    It seems like a low risk purchase for $1, however, there are free options available too such as https://librecad.org/ . Or see https://www.reddit.com/r/humblebundles/comments/117ki1c/comment/j9v0v37/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 for an older Autocad clone. Beckercad 2D seems like a niche product so I would probably invest my time learning something that is more mainstream. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Architectural Software
    For 2d stuff I tend to use Libra cad Https://librecad.org/. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Netfabb and LibreCAD, you can also consider the following products

MatterControl - MatterControl is a free, open source app that lets you organize and manage your 3D prints.

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone

Autodesk AutoCAD - Autodesk AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application.

Onshape - Onshape is the first full-cloud 3D CAD system. It runs in a web browser and on any mobile device.